The best weekend getaways in the US are as rejuvenating as the most languid vacations spent abroad. You really don’t have to go far or dedicate overly long stretches of time on your calendar to tick those boxes off your bucket list. The nation has handsome mountain ranges and beautiful beaches, historic landmarks and vibrantly diverse cities, Michelin-starred restaurants and secret holes-in-the-wall you’ll want to keep all to yourself, all just steps away from any given corner. You just have to know where to look.

We’re here to help. We took five of the country’s major hubs and found four weekend getaway ideas for each that range from hours-long road trips to hops and skips just 30 minutes away. Below, we share our picks for the best weekend getaways around the country, plus tips on where to stay and the best things to do while you’re there. Get ready to travel more like never before.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

From Los Angeles

Catalina Island

Justin Lewis/Getty

Catalina Island, California

Take the one-hour journey to this island 22 miles or so off the coast via the Catalina Express ferry, which departs from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point daily; once you’re here, biking and walking are the main transport modes (or you can rent a golf cart for longer drives). Catalina Island is a startling contrast to the mainland, with more than a whiff of East Coast hideouts like Nantucket: Start at the quaint main town, Avalon, and gorge on seafood that’s barely minutes from the water—try Bluewater Grill, right on the dock.

Then head inland to El Rancho Escondido, which earned acclaim for its Arabian horse-breeding program. The ponies are gone now, though, and much of the land has been deeded over to vines, where Rusack Vineyards focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Outdoorsy types can hike the entire length of the 38.5-mile Trans Catalina Trail in about four days, too, with campgrounds for overnighting along the route. The Bellanca Hotel in Avalon is the plushest perch if you’d rather have someone else make your bed—or sleep in a bed, period.

What’s to love: The pinnacle of US romantic retreats, this history-steeped, 550-acre hideaway overlooking the scenic coast of Montecito has hosted the who’s who of high society, world politics, and Hollywood over the decades, including honeymooners John and Jacqueline Kennedy in 1953. Today, San Ysidro Ranch stands as a comprehensive study in ultra-luxury—past and present—where cascading gardens, bucolic vine-cloaked cottages, and detail-focused staff set the stage for timeless love stories. Each of the 38 accommodations is individually decorated, featuring hand-selected antique furnishings, original artwork, handmade four-poster canopy beds, and sublime soaking tubs (all cottages also flaunt private patios with outdoor rain showers, oversized sunken spas, and dining areas.) Manicured grounds are strewn with olive and oak groves, lavender fields, lemon pergolas, and rose gardens, framing pathways that reach coveted creature comforts like a heated hillside pool, a full-service spa, award-winning restaurant, The Stonehouse, and under-the-radar celeb hangout, The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel. Complimentary dining is included in the nightly rate.

Romance factor: Enjoy a private, candle-lit dinner in the property’s most historic space, a bona fide old adobe cottage dating to 1825, choosing from the same sublime farm-and ocean-to-table menu of The Stonehouse (The Santa Barbara diver-caught sea urchin, pan-seared Santa Barbara abalone with housemade squid ink capellini, and line-caught English Channel Dover sole are three must-tries.) Organize a tasting in the Secret Cellar, tucked behind the 15,500+ bottles of the Ranch’s principal underground wine cellar, and sip away as a designated sommelier guides you through flights of fine international and local wines. Venture off-property for rewarding hikes and pursuits in Santa Barbara wine country.

Get there: A 90-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport

As a two-time home to the Winter Olympics (in 1932 and 1980), it’s hard to argue that Lake Placid isn’t the East Coast champion for snow sports. And, with the Lake Placid Olympic Center newly remodeled and reopened last year, this winter is an especially auspicious time to visit. Activities at the facilities include indoor and outdoor ice skating, speed skating sessions, as well as events like the Adirondack Winter Invitational for college hockey players.

But, the Center is far from the only winter sports hub in town here. The nearby Whiteface Mountain has over 90 trails spanning 25 miles and covering three peaks and is especially notable for boasting the greatest vertical drop on the East Coast. And, if that’s not enough for adrenaline junkies, you can also rocket down tracks at the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience or (in warmer months) tackle the longest mountain coaster in the USA, the heart-pumping Cliffside Coaster. After you’ve had your fill of snow and ice, you can stroll Main Street to pick up new ski gear or stock up on gorgeously scented candles and lotions from Pure Placid. We love the Mount Marcy, scented with citrus, basil, and sandalwood.

A straight shot up I-87 followed by a 40-mile stretch on NY 73W, Lake Placid is about a five-hour drive north of New York City. If you’re looking to stretch your legs along the way, Saratoga Springs is an excellent stopping point: grab a hearty brunch of breakfast sandwiches stuffed with smoked applewood bacon at The Merc before you finish your drive.

Where to stay: There are few places more magical in winter than Lake Placid Lodge, a quintessential Adirondack property that features rooms with large stone fireplaces, beds made out of tree branches, and stunning views of the namesake lake. For even more privacy, you can also book one of the secluded, cozy cabins just a short walk from the main lodge. Winter activities on-site include ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snow bonfires with s’mores. Nearby Whiteface Lodge is ideal for families, thanks to year-round indoor and outdoor pools, a surround-sound movie theater, a family game room, and nightly campfires.

The cultural tapestry of Sicily is a rich and varied one. Invasions by the Phoenicians, ancient Greeks, Romans, Moors, Normans, Spanish, and Italians left their mark, particularly in the island’s architecture and culinary traditions. The island is best explored through those understated haunts where locals convene, centuries-old buildings that lie well off the tourist track, and family-run restaurants where a simple cannoli can move you to tears.

To attempt to scratch into Sicily’s proud soul in a few weeks is ambitious—a few days is simply an aperitivo, just enough time to fall wildly and irrevocably in love with this sun-bleached island. Here’s our insider guide on how to tackle Sicily in just three days.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Old town in SyracuseGetty Images

Day 1

Morning

Begin your whistle-stop tour of South Eastern Sicily in the sea-fronted glory of Syracuse. The ancient Greek city connects to Ortigia, a UNESCO World Heritage site island with a food market (on Via Emmanuele De Benedictis) well worth waking up early for. Held from seven in the morning until two in the afternoon every Sunday, it’s a sensory assault with the island’s bounty piled high on tables: olives, lemons, herbs, enormous wheels of cheese, capers, spanking fresh seafood. Octopus tentacles hang from boxes, swordfish heads protrude from tables, vendors gesticulate emphatically.

Scoff a millefoglie (raisin pastry) or ciambelle (a Sicilian spin on the donut) while browsing and observing the ancient market rhythms—and don’t leave without trying the ricotta-stuffed croissants at Sapori dei Gusti Smarriti. Sicilian mornings are typically sweet, so having wandered around Piazza del Duomo and gasped at the surrounding buttermilk-hued splendor, scuttle into Bar Condorelli for granita and warm brioche.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.